If Blue Planet inspired you and you are keen on seeing some of these magnificent creatures for yourself, pay attention. Southern California is blessed with a year round whale migration as the various species tend to travel up and down the coast for feeding and breeding at different times of year.
Newport Beach, just an hour south of LA, is a brilliant place to visit if you would like to get a front seat to some whale action or to get caught in a dolphin stampede as they tend to swim very near the shore line in this part of California.
January – April is a particularly good time to go as this is when most species tend to be in the area. On a daily basis you have a high chance of seeing gray whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Whale watching tours depart daily from the marina and prices start at $32 for adults. The tour companies that depart Newport Beach daily will provide educational commentary and are very mindful of the personal space of the marine mammals, they turn off their engines when they are near the whales and won’t follow them for too long so they can enjoy their trip in peace.
DO:
- Play with the seals on a paddleboard in the marina (glow in the dark boards are a must)
- Surfing: if you would like to take your skills to the next level ‘ The Wedge’ in Newport Beach is the perfect sport for you. Known for its large wedge shapes waves that can get over 9 meters high, this spot is frequented by some of the most experienced surfers out there (for beginners and younger family members the waves further down the beach are perfect to start off with.)
- Cycling: as a warm up you can cruise along the coast all the way up to Huntington Beach but the avid cyclist will want to head over to Crystal Cove State Park and challenge the calves to push you over a number of hills under the balmy California sunshine. If you still have some energy left after this rent a fattier mountain bike and tackle the beach
MUST EAT: Balboa Bar on Balboa Island or a frozen banana if you are a fan of Netflix series ‘Arrested Development’.
STAY: Beautifully integrating marina, beach and town, the new boutique hotel, Lido House is a stylish celebration of the SoCal lifestyle. With 130 rooms, central location within the brand new Lido Marina Village and rooftop lounge, the hotel is expected to be the new hotspot when opening in early 2018.
GETTING THERE: Flights to LAX start at £149.99 from Edinburgh one way with WOW Air in spring
For more information, visit: www.visitnewportbeach.com
